Prepare Your Application for September 2022
Before applying to a McMaster University graduate program, you need to prepare your application:
Expandable List
McMaster University’s graduate programs include a wide-range of specialties in more than 100 Master’s and PhD level programs.
Application deadlines vary between programs. Students must complete their applications by the deadlines noted in order to be considered admissible.
Find more information about the graduate programs McMaster University offers.
Master’s Degree/Diploma/Post-Degree
- Honours Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
- B+ (B- for Engineering) minimum average, based on a full year equivalent of final year courses (3rd/4th level) relevant to the program
- Each program may set additional/higher requirements. Please review the program website for details.
- Degrees and grades from foreign universities are evaluated for their equivalency to McMaster’s. Please contact the program for specific details.
- Departments or programs may establish additional requirements, such as scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Admission is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
- The admission decision is not subject to appeal
- Applicants who do not meet the above mentioned requirements, should consult the Graduate Calendar to determine the requirements for exceptional cases
Doctoral (PhD) Degree
- Master’s Degree
- B+ minimum average, based on previous graduate work
- Each program may set additional/higher requirements. Please review the program website for details.
- Admission to a graduate program is based on a judgement by the University that the applicant can successfully complete the graduate degree program
- Degrees and grades from foreign universities are evaluated for their equivalency to McMaster’s. Please contact the program for specific details.
- Departments or programs may establish additional requirements, such as scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Admission is competitive: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
- The admission decision is not subject to appeal
- Applicants who do not meet the above mentioned requirements, should consult the Graduate Calendar to determine the requirements for exceptional cases
Applicants are required to submit evidence of their proficiency in the English language as part of their application. The most common evidence is a score on one of the following exams:
- TOEFL: minimum score of 92 (internet based), 237 (computer based) or 580 (paper based), minimum of 20 per band; for the Faculty of Engineering a minimum score of 88 (internet based) or 213 on the (computer based) or 550 (paper based)
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section
- CAEL: minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 per band
- MELAB: minimum score of 85
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 63; for the Faculty of Engineering a minimum score of 70
- York University course: YUELI Level 6 with a minimum final grade of B
- University of Toronto course: Academic Level 60 with a minimum final grade of B
Each program may set additional/higher requirements. Please review the program website for details.
The following items are required to submit a complete complete. Any official documentation required should be sent directly to the program office. Review the program website for mailing information.
Official Transcripts
- All post-secondary academic work completed to date.
- Electronic transcripts are acceptable for assessment purposes.
- Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the program office.
- If the final transcript does not show that all degree requirements have been met or the degree is conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required.
References
- From instructors most familiar with your academic work.
- The McMaster University grad application system has an electronic reference system, accessible from the application. By entering the email address of a referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf.
- If for some reason the eReference can not be accessed, you can download the Reference form.
- Some McMaster programs may have different reference requirements. Please review the program website for details.
English language proficiency
- Review Language Requirements for acceptable tests.
- Applicants who have completed a university degree where the primary language of instruction is English may have this requirement waived. Please contact the program of interest for more information.
Statement of Interest
- Please review program website for specific details and requirements.
Additional documents
- Programs may require additional documents as part of the application. Please review program website for details.
After You’ve Applied
Now that you’ve applied, what’s next?
Application Acknowledgement
Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive an email confirming your application has been successfully submitted. The email will contain important information about how to access the Application Status Portal to monitor the status of your application and the checklist of required documents.
Application Assessment Period
Applicants can check their application status online anytime, after their application has been submitted, by logging into Application Status Portal. The admissions process varies for each applicant and program and the School of Graduate Studies cannot provide specific dates for admission decisions.
If you have questions about the status of your application, contact the program to which you are applying. Program information is available online.
Received an Offer of Admission?
Information Box Group
Congratulations! You now have your Offer of Admission in hand. We hope you will join us.
Do you have conditions on your offer? You are responsible for ensuring that all documentation is submitted to your program office prior to the deadline. Late submissions will affect your admission status. Read more about clearing your conditions.
Respond to your offer Go to Application Status Portal now
To accept or decline an offer of admission, you must complete the online response form in the Application Status Portal, by the response date.
The School of Graduate Studies does not work with recruitment agencies. Any communication from a recruitment agency is not valid.
Revised offer letters: Use the same online response form. Revised offers replace any and all previous offers issues.
Take the next step! Learn More
Your graduate journey at McMaster is about to begin! Learn about
- your offer – what does it all mean?
- enrolling as a student
- paying your tuition and fees
- orientations for new students
- being an international student in Canada
- so much more
Are you an international graduate student? Learn More
Visit our International Students page for additional information to help you transition to life at McMaster.